"home ruler, estate ruler"
Origin: Germanic via French
Language: English
Harriet
Pronunciation: [ h-EHR-ee-uht ]
Girl Name
#1,154 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
Victorian grace meets American heroism
English
American
Australian
Vintage
Strong
Literary
Classic
Meaning & Origin
"power of the household"
Origin: Old High German
Language: English
The Story of Harriet
Harriet is the English feminine form of Harry, which is the vernacular English form of Henry, from the Old French 'Henriette.' Henry itself derives from the Germanic 'Heimirich,' a compound of 'heim' (home) and 'ric' (power, ruler), meaning 'ruler of the home' or 'estate ruler.' Harriet was the standard English feminine form from the 17th to 19th centuries before Henrietta came into fashion.
Harriet was a mainstream name in Victorian England and 19th-century America. It fell sharply out of fashion through the mid-20th century but has staged a remarkable comeback in the 2010s, particularly in the UK and Australia where it re-entered the top 50. Its association with Harriet Tubman gives it enormous moral weight for American families.
Harriet Tubman, the conductor of the Underground Railroad who freed hundreds of enslaved people, has made this name a symbol of courage and liberation in American culture. She was the first woman to appear on US currency (the $20 bill redesign). In Britain, the name carries Victorian elegance.
Fun Facts
- Harriet Tubman rescued approximately 70 enslaved people through the Underground Railroad and is set to appear on the US $20 bill
- Harriet was a top-10 name in England in the 1880s and is returning to the top 50 in the 2020s
- Harriet the Spy, the 1964 children's novel, created one of literature's most beloved girl protagonists
Harriet in Other Languages
Dutch
Henriëtte
French
Henriette
German
Henriette
Italian
Enrichetta
Spanish
Enriqueta
Famous People Named Harriet
H
Harriet Tubman
Activist
1822
American abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor who freed hundreds from slavery and became one of history's gre...
American abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor who freed hundreds from slavery and became one of history's greatest heroes
H
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Writer
1811
American abolitionist author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, whose novel is credited with helping spark the Civil War
H
Harriet the Spy Fictional
Other
The notebook-carrying, olive-sandwich-eating protagonist of Louise Fitzhugh's 1964 children's novel
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,154
- Total SSA Count
- 208
- Cultural Origins
- English American Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Hattie
Harry
Hattie
Etta
Pairs Well With
Harriet Rose
Harriet Jane
Harriet Louise
Harriet Grace
Harriet Violet
Harriet Wren
Harriet Mae
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Harriet is also used as a boy name, ranked #28353.
View Harriet as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Harriet
What does the name Harriet mean?
"home ruler, estate ruler" (from Germanic via French). "power of the household" (from Old High German). Harriet is the English feminine form of Harry, which is the vernacular English form of Henry, from the Old French 'Henriette.' Henry itself derives from the Germanic 'Heimirich,' a compound of 'heim' (home) and 'ric' (power, ruler), meaning 'ruler of the home' or 'estate ruler.' Harriet was the standard English feminine form from the 17th to 19th centuries before Henrietta came into fashion.
What is the origin of the name Harriet?
Harriet has Germanic via French, Old High German, English, American, and Australian origins. In Germanic via French, it means "home ruler, estate ruler". In Old High German, it means "power of the household".
Is Harriet a boy or girl name?
Harriet is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1154. As a boy name, it is ranked #28353. Harriet is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Harriet?
Harriet is pronounced h-EHR-ee-uht.
How popular is the name Harriet?
Harriet is currently ranked #1154 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Harriet?
Common nicknames for Harriet include Hattie, Harry, Hattie, and Etta.
What are good middle names for Harriet?
Popular middle name pairings include Harriet Rose, Harriet Jane, Harriet Louise, Harriet Grace, Harriet Violet, Harriet Wren, and Harriet Mae.
What are good sibling names for Harriet?
Names that pair well with Harriet as siblings include Beatrice, Florence, Archibald, Theodore, Millicent, and Edmund.
How many syllables does Harriet have?
Harriet has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Harriet a common or rare name?
Harriet is an uncommon name, ranked #1154 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Harriet
Harriet is a girl name with English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "home ruler, estate ruler" in Germanic via French .
Is Harriet a boy or girl name? Harriet is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,154 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #28,353. Harriet is more commonly used as a girl name.
Harriet is currently ranked #1,154 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Harriet has 3 syllables and is pronounced h-EHR-ee-uht, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Harriet include Hattie, Harry, Hattie, and Etta. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.